Is La Mer Vegan & Cruelty-Free in 2024?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: January 2024.
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La Mer, the luxury skincare brand known for its high-end products, was founded by Dr. Max Huber, an aerospace physicist. The brand was initially known as Crème de la Mer. Estée Lauder purchased it in 1995. La Mer’s website is https://www.cremedelamer.com/.  

The creation of La Mer dates back to the 1960s when Dr. Huber suffered burns from a laboratory accident. Seeking a solution to heal his skin, he dedicated over a decade to researching and formulating a special cream.

Dr. Huber’s experiments led him to develop the “Miracle Broth,” a blend of sea kelp and other natural ingredients. This became the cornerstone of La Mer’s skincare line. The brand was officially established in the early 1980s and quickly gained popularity for its potent and rejuvenating skincare products. 

La Mer’s foundation was rooted in the belief that the sea’s potential could transform skin, creating its iconic and highly sought-after skincare range. But is La Mer vegan?

Is La Mer Vegan?

No, La Mer is not vegan. La Mer uses animal-derived ingredients in its products. In addition, La Mer is not cruelty-free.

La Mer Vegan Overview

Is a vegan brand: no
Uses non-vegan ingredients: yes
Has a vegan selection: no
Tests on animals: yes, where required by law
Sold where animal testing is mandatory: yes
Has a parent company that tests on animals: yes (Estée Lauder)

Does La Mer Have Official Vegan Certifications?

No. La Mer does not have any vegan certifications. La Mer is not a vegan brand as it uses animal-based ingredients.

Has La Mer Indicated Going Vegan?

No. La Mer has not indicated going fully vegan.

Does La Mer Test on Animals?

Yes. Although La Mer might not test on animals themselves, La Mer allows tests on animals, where required by law.

Is La Mer Certified Cruelty-Free?

No. La Mer is not certified cruelty-free by organizations such as Leaping Bunny or PETA. 

Who Owns La Mer?

La Mer is owned by Estée Lauder Companies, a multinational conglomerate that owns several other prestigious beauty and skincare brands. Estée Lauder acquired La Mer in 1995 and has since maintained its position as a high-end luxury skincare brand within its portfolio. Estée Lauder is not cruelty-free.

Which La Mer Products Are Vegan?

None of La Mer’s products are considered to be vegan as La Mer allows animal tests where required by law. 

Summary

La Mer, a luxury skincare brand, was founded by Dr. Max Huber, an aerospace physicist, initially known as Crème de la Mer. However, La Mer is not vegan or cruelty-free. It incorporates animal-derived ingredients and allows animal testing where mandated by law. 

We hope that La Mer will take on the goal of going cruelty-free and fully vegan one day. Until then keep checking in on Vegan Avenue for an updated vegan product list.

See also: Best Vegan Skincare Brands

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.